Jacqueline Macmillan shares her passion for Endurance:

Welsh cob Brynfa Gwanwen, AKA Misty, is a star.  Welsh born, bought from Crewe in July 2017 and now residing in Perthshire, Scotland. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter pony and have been surprisingly blown away by her performance in endurance riding. Having successfully completed several pleasure rides last year, we have now upped our game to competitive rides.

I’m a member of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC). We have taster rides (8-14km), pleasure rides (15km-29km) and competitive rides (30kms upwards). SERC members ride longer distances using a unique thistle grading system which is unique to this Organisation. The starting level is Bronze (up to 50k), progressing to Silver (60k) and Gold (80k) Series. The top two levels are the Platinum (120k) and Diamond (160k) Awards.

Misty has successfully completed two 30km rides to achieve 2 bronze qualifiers. This allows us to enter a 50km class and hopefully achieve our Bronze Thistle Final.

All Purpose Half Chaps for comfort.

Spending longer in the saddle (and stirrups!) however can cause some discomfort. Having previously ridden in long leather boots, the decision was made, after consulting with other fellow riders, to change to short boots and half chaps. I had heard lots about Just Chaps and fortunately got the chance to meet them at a local show. After trying on a few pairs, the fit and the feel was fantastic! My favourite was the All Purpose Half Chaps. What a difference they have to the overall comfort of long-distance riding.

Just Chaps Ltd are the UK’s leading designer and manufacturer of riding half chaps, making them the perfect choice for endurance riders like me. Their extensive range of sizes ensures a great fit for everyone, and their chaps are designed with durability and comfort in mind – essential for long hours in the saddle. Just Chaps has built an excellent reputation for providing reliable riding gear for all disciplines, but their dedication to endurance riders makes them stand out. Whether you’re tackling a short pleasure ride or a challenging 160km event, Just Chaps has the ideal solution to keep your legs protected and comfortable.

So, kitted out we entered our first 50km ride at SERC’s Seacliff ride in East Lothian on 16th June 2019…wow what a fabulous route! Taking four hours and 31 minutes to complete the 51 km route, we thankfully vetted successfully and achieved our Bronze Thistle Final Award.

Thank you to the Just Chaps team for sending me the chaps so quickly. I have machine washed them and packed them away, ready for our next venture.

If you’re looking for the ideal riding chaps for endurance riding or any other equestrian activity, check out Just Chaps’ extensive range of half chaps designed by riders, for riders.

Photo courtesy of Susie Allison

When is comes to choosing which leather riding chaps to buy, it helps to know what other options are available. Here we will look at the benefits of buying leather half chaps over chaps made from other materials. We will also look at the needs of the rider. 

Why Leather Half Chaps? 

Traditionally, leather is the most used textile when making any type of riding chaps. For the most part, this is because leather withstands the rigors of riding and provides a comfortable fit that molds to the rider’s legs. Leather offers great grip and a feeling of security in the saddle.

 Just Chaps have developed a complete range of leather half chaps and gaiters – the Saltos range. We only use the best aniline leather for the Saltos range. Aniline leather is treated with soluble dyes that preserve the hide’s natural surface. This results in a soft, supple texture. We choose aniline over other finishes for its rich finish, breathability and soft comfortable fit. Aniline leather copes with the demands of riding. With the correct care, it looks great and still does a fantastic job after many hours in the saddle. 

Learn more about how to care for your leather chaps or gaiters here. 

Saltos Leather Half Chaps

Our Saltos leather half chaps were born out of a need for leather riding chaps that were both easy-to-fit and elegant. Most riders are looking for an easy-to-wear option and a side zip opening is normally the solution. The zips that we use are the perfect weight and size; not too fiddly and with a smart look. For quality and durability, we only use YKK zips. Saltos leather half chaps are the perfect shape which we cleverly engineered to accommodate as many sizes as possible. 

Stretch Leather Panels

Why are Saltos half chaps such a great fit ? We believe that Saltos fit so many riders so well for two reasons: 1. the shape is excellent 2. the leather is also excellent with panels of leather made from a unique stretch leather. This gives a very flexible fit, as the chaps can stretch around all shapes of leg. Saltos Half Chaps also work very well over chunky riding boots. Take a look at the video below. 

With a perfect shape, top quality leather and a stretch leather panel, Saltos Leather Half Chaps were awarded 9/10 by Horse & Hound magazine. You can read the review here. 

Saltos Leather Gaiters

Saltos Leather Gaiters are our smartest riding option. The main difference between Gaiters and Half Chaps is that the Gaiters have the zip down the back of the leg. The top is shaped so as to give the look of wearing a long boot. Demand for gaiters that both fit and look great is ever-growing. Just Chaps launched Saltos Gaiters in response to huge demand from riders who could not find gaiters that fit well. 

 To give a soft and durable finish, we make our gaiters from only the best full grain Aniline leather. We line the gaiters with a breathable wicking lining which not only ensures that the gaiters retain their shape but at the same time help give more structure. We added an elastic stretch panel either side of the back zip to allow a comfortable, flexible fit and only use YKK zips, which are world-renowned for quality and reliability. Our gaiters are available in 7 width fittings to accommodate up to a 50cm calf. View our Saltos Gaiters for adults and Saltos Gaiters for children.

Caring for Leather Riding Chaps

To keep your leather chaps and gaiters looking and feeling their best, please:

• do not wear when mucking out; the amonia may prematurely rot the thread
• clean all mud and dander from the leather using a warm soapy cloth or sponge. Do not over-wet
• once clean, feed the leather with your favourite leather balm or oil
• hang to air or dry

Leather Half Chaps and Gaiters have always been a favourite for male riders. We have a buyer’s guide to help choose best fit and textile for men – this ultimate guide should answer all of your queries.

We hope you have enjoyed learning about our wonderful leather chaps and gaiters. Here’s our online sizing guide to find your perfect fit. Learn more about How to Find Your Size here.

Should you wish to speak with one of our expert team members, please call us on 01403 820887.

The largest equestrian event in the UK: see Just Chaps

Established in 1943, the Royal Windsor Horse Show has grown into one of the UK’s most beloved horse shows, attracting competitors and spectators from around the globe. The Show is held in May on the Queen’s estate, with Windsor castle as its stunning backdrop. From humble beginnings, the RWS is now the largest equestrian event in the UK.  With international competitions in four different disciplines – show jumping, dressage, carriage driving and endurance – it’s the perfect day out for families and competitors alike.

A charitable equestrian event

To raise funds for the war effort, Count Robert Orssich and Mr Geoffrey Cross organised the first Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1943. The Windsor Horse and Dog Show was its original name. All the key members of the Royal Family attended, including King George VI, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. Princess Elizabeth, already a keen horsewoman, won the Pony and Dogcart class at the first show. The inaugural show helped the Royal Borough raise over £390,000, enough money to buy 78 Typhoon fighter aircrafts.

Dogs banned

Dogs were banned from the show as a result of a lurcher stealing chicken from the King’s plate in 1943. Despite this, the show continued to expand. The show grew from a 2-day event to 5 days in 1977.

In the calendar

Visitors attend for the thrilling equestrian competitions and also the wonderful shopping. Every year, we showcase our products at this truly international event. The shopping village features a wide range of stalls offering everything from equestrian gear to crafts and gourmet food. This vibrant marketplace provides an excellent opportunity to purchase exclusive items and indulge in some retail therapy. With the beautiful backdrop of Windsor Castle, the RWS is a perfect blend of sport and shopping in a wonderful historical setting.

The RWS is truly international

Visitors arrive not only London and the home counties, but from all over the world with several members of the Royal Family attending every year.

If you love an equestrian day out, take a look at our article on Horse of the Year Show.

For more information on this wonderful event get in touch today.

As the UK’s leading half chaps and gaiter specialist, Just Chaps offers a greater selection of riding chaps to fit more riders. This includes several Half Chap options that will fit over chunky boots. Here we look at which styles best work with chunkier boots and what needs to be considered.

Find the perfect combo.

It is becoming more popular to wear chunky boots for riding. Whether you are an Endurance rider or trail rider, we are finding that more riders are now looking to wear a chunkier boot than the traditional jodphur boots. Many riders regularly ask which riding chaps will fit over a chunky riding boots. Just Chaps can offer several options that work with this popular footwear, giving riders lots of choice with colour, style and size. Here’s what we offer:

Our design is perfect

We design our Half Chaps with a lot of careful consideration.  Both the overall shape and functionality of each section, especially the area around the ankle, is designed with particular care. The ankle area needs to accommodate various styles of boot. To this end, we introduced a “concertina panel” behind the zip and at the “toe” of the chaps to make extra room for such boots as the Ariat Telluride or Kentucky. The combination of concertina panels, and use of neoprene allows a great flexibility of fit. You can read more about how Just Chaps became the specialist in the field, here. 

Several options work with chunky boots.

We offer riders the choice of the following styles, all of which work with chunkier boots. 

All Purpose – the all-time best selling Half Chaps that fit well and look great. Made from stretchy comfortable neoprene and available in black and brown and in all sizes from Age 2 to Adult Extra Wide.

Saltos Half Chaps  – another award-winning product, scoring 9/10 in Horse & Hound. Made from full-grain, soft leather with a unique stretch-leather panel which allows these chaps to be worn with chunkier boots. Perfect for posh days out, yet durable enough for every day wear. All sizes.

Classic Suede – traditional half chaps made from soft yet hard wearing suede. Adult sizes.

Cool – made from perforated faux suede. The little perforations let your legs breathe. Perfect for warmer weather, warmer people. Or just many hours in the saddle. Worn and love by Endurance riders in the Mongol Derby year after year. Read here about which of our half chaps designs might be best for the Mongol Derby. 

In a nutshell, all of our half chaps, as described above, will fit over Chunky Boots. Our Saltos Gaiters are the only products that will not fit over your chunkier boots. Interested in Saltos Gaiters? They’re here for you. 

We hope that this helps. If you have any questions, please call our expert, friendly team on 01403 820887, or email info@justchaps.com. We look forward to meeting you!

Riders often wonder whether they can wear half chaps or gaiters at a Dressage competition instead of traditional tall boots. The good news is that under British Dressage (BD) and other equestrian competition rules, riders can wear half chaps as long as they meet specific criteria.

What do the rules say?

British Dressage permits the use of leather half chaps in affiliated competitions, provided they are made of leather or a leather-look material. They must match the color of the rider’s boots and create the appearance of a continuous leg line, similar to traditional long boots.

Why Choose Half Chaps?

Leather half chaps offer numerous benefits for dressage riders, especially for those seeking comfort, flexibility, and affordability. High-quality options like the Saltos range by Just Chaps, provide an elegant and professional look that meets competition standards. Designed to deliver exceptional fit and durability, Saltos half chaps ensure you’re both stylish and comfortable in the arena.

Our blog here explains what the difference is between Half Chaps and Gaiters.

The Saltos Range; Perfect for Dressage

The Saltos range is specifically designed for riders aiming to combine style with performance. Made from premium leather, these half chaps are not only durable but also provide a close-contact feel. For riders requiring a wide fit option, the Saltos range caters for all sizes, with wide-fits a speciality. Read more about the Saltos range here.

Find Your Perfect Fit

Choosing the right leather half chaps or leather gaiters is crucial for both competition and training. Spend a few minutes getting to grips with what our Saltos Range offers. We also advise that you visit our Half Chaps Sizing Guide to ensure a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering leather half chaps for dressage, rest assured they’re a practical and stylish alternative to long boots. Wide fitting gaiters and leather gaiters from Just Chaps ensure that every rider’s needs are met with both comfort and elegance. Browse our Complete Guide to Half Chaps for tips on care and maintenance, ensuring your chaps stay in top condition for every performance.

For more expert advice, explore our blog and discover why Just Chaps is the UK’s leading supplier of half chaps and gaiters.

Leather Gaiters for Dressage

Welcome to Just Chaps!

As the UK riding chaps specialist, Just Chaps can help you choose half chaps that are perfect for you. Our range of half chaps and gaiters have been designed by our specialist team since 2003. Always looking for the next winning product, our passion and know-how has driven us to steadily extend our range. We now are the proud owners of a complete range of riding waterproofs – but this article is to help you find Half Chaps, so let’s begin. In a nutshell, Just Chaps offers riders the widest range of Half Chaps in a variety of styles and fabrics.  

Comfort Fit

Just Chaps products are all cut from our own in-house designs which are shaped to hug the leg, offer support and close contact with your horse. The stretchy panels allow a snug but comfortable fit. The top velcro strap is adjustable and particularly useful on very slim legs. If comfort is your main concern we suggest  All Purpose Half Chaps . Made from neoprene they are stretchy and do not dig in. Soft and lightweight, they are washable and suitable for all equestrians uses. Alternatively, take a look at our Cool Half Chaps which are one of the most comfortable due to the breathable fabric. Typically used for long hours in the saddle for Riding Holidays and Endurance,  but perfect for anyone who wants a lightweight, breathable opiton.

Competition ready!

For a smart, traditional look the Saltos leather range offer the perfect solution. Made from full-grain leather for a long-lasting yet comfortable option, Saltos half chaps and gaiters are carefully crafted to our own design and specification. That means shaped to fit, shaped to look great and feel great. Already award-winning products, you will love how great you look and feel. Perfect for everyday use yet smart enough for competitions. Now available in Brown and Black and in all sizes from Child Small (approximately Age 7/8) to Adult Extra Wide. Being the only half chaps specialist, we have developed a full range of wide-fits. This allows every rider the option of wearing and enjoying such a great looking product. 

 Individual Fit

Just Chaps has half chaps and gaiters to fit all riders. Read our buyer’s guide on which sizes, textiles and fit generally work best for female riders. Best Half Chaps and Gaiters for Women is full of top tips. 

Just Chaps offers riders expert, friendly advice on How to Choose their perfect-fitting Half Chaps. Call us, message us or come see us in person. This year, you can visit us at Badminton Horse Trials, Your Horse Live and the London International Horse Show. We look forward to meeting you.